Stranger: Book 2

I just finished outlining Stranger: Book 2 (title reveal at the end of this little blog), and I feel so accomplished.

Now that the story that I've been kicking around in my head for the past 3 years (3 years!) is on paper, I feel lighter, relieved, and done. For now.

I still have to write the thing, but only after I finish writing Sacrifice.

However, just getting a general plot into a way more detailed, organized body is just the best. I feel mentally drained too, but maybe that's because I haven't been sleeping well the past couple of days (I am seriously so over this ridiculous heat - it's freaking September already!).

Regardless, I'm excited to start writing Sophie and Jane and Will and Depogare again. But I'm also excited for the little break I get right now to let the plot marinate and the details to develop.

I think you'll like Stranger: Book 2, or as I like to call it, Finder.

Just write

I've been writing a lot. By hand. It's how I've written all of The Dark Paradise books.

The craziest part is, usually I get a better feeling - as though creativity is surging through me, and by extension, my writing utensil - of the rush I get from writing with a pen. But for whatever reason, when I've been writing Sacrifice, the words come easier with a pencil.

I don't really question it. You can't question the little things you do for writing, to get past writing blocks, to make the words come faster and prettier and easier. You do what you have to do to write.

So, I guess that's my advice about writing. Don't think about it. Don't worry about it. Just write. Just get the words down. Even if it's forced. Even if the words don't sound right and it doesn't feel natural. Just write. Whether that's with a computer, with a phone (like with the first half of Catalyst) or with a pen or pencil. Just write.

I promise when you finish your word count goal for the day, you'll feel so satisfied. So complete. So accomplished. And honestly, it's one of the best feelings in the world.

On procrastinating the writing part

Can I tell you guys a secret?

I haven't written in a long time.

I've been on a roll, publishing material I wrote a few years ago. I've been on a roll editing and coming up with cover designs with my amazing designer, Katya.

But I've been procrastinating with my writing.

And I know you're all waiting for the conclusion of The Dark Paradise trilogy, you're waiting to see what happens in Stranger, Book 2, and you want some new material along with edited updates of the old material.

I get it.

I realize that looking at writing as a business without adding the creative passion makes it hard to be creative and passionate, even about releasing old favorites.

So I started writing today. I'm a little over one-third finished with Sacrifice. My intention is to finish a first draft by October.

And with Stranger, Book 2? My intention is to finish an outline by the end if this month.

Also, look for the start of a new series next month, along with a release of a favorite from Fictionpress.

I have a plan, but without writing, it doesn't feel right. 

I know, however, that by writing every day - even if I don't feel creative, even if the writing is forced - my juices will flow and it'll become as easy as it was a few years ago.

No more excuses. No more procrastinating.

I'm supposed to give birth in early November so I need to get it together if I ever want it to really progress.

And if I ever want to get more successful, I need to progress. Which I will. Because I absolutely have to succeed. There is no other way.